“Mother!” Damien pulled her into a gentle hug.
Lady Nadine smiled. “It hasn’t even been that long since you saw me last.”
“It’s been a hell of a week.”
One of the sisters exited the carriage next in a short-sleeved pink dress.
“Desirée!” Damien picked up his youngest sister and spun her around. She laughed hysterically at his dramatics, and the intricate updo of her hair threatened to unravel.
Evelyn observed the Fontaine family curiously.
This is so different from the formal introductions during the ball last week. Is that because Lord Stuart isn’t around?
Daphne left the carriage last. Her loose hair flowed past her shoulders and she wore a lavender dress. She put her hands on her hips and scowled at her brother.
Damien released Desirée, who was dizzy and giggling. He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Daphne.
What’s going on? Do they not get along?
Daphne’s facade broke first. She cracked a smile and dropped her hands to her sides. Damien grinned, then crushed her in a tight hug.
“Stupid soldier!” Daphne gasped. “I can’t breathe!”
“If you can talk, you can breathe.” Damien squeezed her harder before letting go.
She inhaled theatrically, as if she had been on the brink of death in his grip.
Damien rolled his eyes, then spoke to his mother again. “I didn’t expect you until tonight.”
“Your sisters were up at dawn. They are under the impression that something exciting is happening at the palace,” Lady Nadine said dryly.
“I heard a princess is stealing Alexander away from Desirée,” Daphne said.
“I was sixteen!” Desirée argued. “You can’t blame me for having a teenage crush on a prince!”
“No, but you won’t live it down, either,” Damien promised.
“Daphne liked Prince Christopher,” Desirée claimed.
“The taller, more responsible, future king? Absolutely, I did,” Daphne said shamelessly.
Evelyn laughed. “You should meet my brother.”
The four Fontaines looked at her, and Evelyn remembered too late that she wasn’t part of the conversation. Even through her awkwardness, she couldn’t help but notice how similar Damien, Daphne, and Desirée were. All three siblings had striking green eyes and straight black hair.
Evelyn stepped forward to stand beside Damien. “Hi.”
Is that the best I can do? Really impressive, Evelyn. You’re so ready to be a queen.
Damien’s family continued to stare at Evelyn like she was a puzzle. It was an expression she had seen from Damien more than a few times.
“It’s nice to see you again, Princess Evelyn,” Lady Nadine said kindly to break the silence.
“You as well,” Evelyn replied. “We didn’t get much time to talk at the ball.”
“I thought the two of you were going to get engaged,” Daphne blurted out, her eyes darting between Evelyn and Damien.
Evelyn blushed. “Things didn’t quite turn out that way. But, believe me, that would have made this week a lot simpler.”
